BE1029068B1 - MOISTURE RESISTANT CONTAINER AND BLANCOS THEREOF - Google Patents

Abstract

A container that includes a first box, and a second box nested within it. The first box comprises: a first bottom wall; a first peripheral wall; an outer lid for closing the first carton and comprising a top panel and at least two flaps extending downwardly adjacent the first peripheral wall in the closed position. The second box includes: a second bottom wall; a second peripheral wall; an inner lid for closing the second box and provided with a top panel. The second carton includes an inner lip connected to the second circumferential wall and pivotable inwardly so that the outer cover presses the inner cover downwards to urge the inner lip in the closed position of the outer cover; and/or, the first carton includes an outer lip hinged to the first peripheral wall and configured to be pressed by the outer lid in the closed position of the outer lid.

Description

MOISTURE-PROOF CONTAINER AND BLANCOS THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD The field of the invention relates to container blanks, and blank assemblies thereof. Particular embodiments relate to containers for containing moisture-sensitive products.

BACKGROUND Nowadays, for economic reasons, it is not uncommon to use products that are individually dosed and related for example to the food industry, e.g. sugar, yeast, for the chemical industry, e.g. detergent, or for the medical industry, e.g. pills. To be dosed individually, these products are either individually packaged or pressed into a compact form. However, over time, the latter are prone to disintegration due to absorption of ambient moisture. Also, the reaction of some components of the products with the ambient moisture could be detrimental to the desired use and effectiveness of the product. It would therefore be advantageous to have a container to be able to store such products which would prevent or reduce moisture absorption from the environment.

In the prior art, to address the above problems, various solutions have been used, such as individual packaging of the dispensed products, moisture absorbent packaging added in the container, disposable protective films over the opening of the container, split packaging solutions, such as blisters, which release the packaged products after breaking a seal, etc. However, the use of these solutions involves an increase in packaging costs or is no longer efficient in reuse once the container has been opened.

GB2492195A describes a temperature controlled shipping container comprising a base, at least one wall extending from the base, a lid, and a temperature control system consisting of an insert contained within the container.

GB2236737A describes a cigarette case with an ashtray fitted in or on the side of the cigarette case and having a flip-up lid.

SUMMARY The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a container, blanks thereof, and blank assembly that allow a long-term protection against moisture absorption during use of the products contained in the container over time, as well as obtaining a container with a robust and simplified architecture.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a container is provided.

The container includes a first box and a second box configured to be nested in the first box.

The first box comprises: a first bottom wall; a first peripheral wall extending upwardly from the first bottom wall; an outer cover configured to close off a space defined by the first bottom wall and the first peripheral wall, the outer cover comprising a top panel and at least two flaps configured to extend downwardly adjacent the first peripheral wall in the closed position of the first box.

The second box includes: a second bottom wall; a second peripheral wall extending upwardly from the second bottom wall; an inner cover configured to close off a space defined by the second bottom wall and the second peripheral wall, the inner cover including a top panel.

The second carton includes at least one inner lip connected to the second circumferential wall and configured to pivot inwardly such that upon closing the first and second cartons, the outer cover presses the inner cover downwardly to press the at least one inner lip downwardly into the closed position of the outer cover.

Alternatively or additionally, the first carton includes at least one outer lip pivotally connected to the first circumferential wall.

The at least one outer lip is configured to be pressed against the outer cover in the closed position of the outer cover.

Firstly, by providing two nested trays, moisture absorption from the closed bottom or from the closed circumferential walls is largely prevented.

There is a first box and a second box.

Each of the first box, or outer box, and the second box, or inner box, is provided with a lid, being the outer lid and the inner lid, respectively.

Depending on the embodiments, the outer lid may be connected to or separate from the rest of the first box; and the inner lid may be connected to or separate from the rest of the second box.

With the outer lid having at least two flaps extending downwardly near the first circumferential wall in the closed position of the first box, moisture absorption is made more difficult at the level of the two flaps.

In one embodiment, the two flaps are located next to each other and can be connected. In another embodiment, the two flaps will not be connected to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the outer lid will comprise one flap per unjoined edge extending downwardly adjacent the first circumferential wall in the closed position of the first carton. By unconnected edge is meant an edge of a part of the container that is not linked to another part of the container. It should also be understood that a perimeter of a circular perimeter wall is defined by a single edge, while a perimeter of a polygonal perimeter wall is defined by a number of edges corresponding to a number of segments necessary to close the corresponding polygonal shape.

Second, by providing at least one rotatable inner lip on the second box, an additional physical barrier is created at the opening of the container, i.e. the weakest point of the container with respect to moisture absorption; thereby improving the moisture protection of the overall container. Note that the at least one inner lip is configured to be pressed inwardly. Typically, the at least one inner lip is connected to the second peripheral wall by a hinge, such as a fold line, which acts as a spring loaded hinge. The addition of the pivoting inner lip provides a simple and cost-effective solution that is robust over time and reusable. Due to its presence as an integral part of the container, additional packaging steps in delivering the multiple products in the container can be avoided.

When providing at least one outer lip pivotally connected to the first peripheral wall, the at least one outer lip may be configured to pivot inwardly or outwardly, preferably outwardly. Note that the outer lip is configured to be depressed by the outer cover. Typically, the outer lip is connected to the second circumferential wall by means of a hinge, such as a fold line, which acts as a spring-loaded hinge. In one embodiment, an outer lip is provided on each of the unjoined edges of the first peripheral wall. Additionally or alternatively, an inner lip may be provided on each of the unjoined edges of the second peripheral wall.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first box has lateral dimensions that closely match the dimensions of the second box. Optionally, the height of the second box closely matches the height of the first box. "Narrow" according to the present invention means that the second box cannot move freely within the first box. Preferably, the distance between the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall and/or the distance between the outer cover and the inner cover is less than 3 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm, even more preferably less than 1 mm.

Preferably the width of the closed container is between 40mm and 1100mm, e.g. between 40mm and 300mm. Preferably, the length of the closed container is between 40 mm and 1100 mm, e.g. between 40mm and 300mm. Preferably, the height of the closed container is between 15 and 1100 mm, e.g. between 15 and 300 mm.

In this way, the at least one hinged lip provided on the first circumferential wall and/or the second circumferential wall is located in the vicinity of both circumferential walls and thus more efficiently ensures its role as a physical barrier against moisture absorption. Moreover, the height of the second box can also closely match the height of the first box.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to having a single second box nested in the first box and that it is possible to nest multiple second boxes side by side in the first box. In this case, the dimensions of the second boxes can be designed so that, when placed inside the first box, the dimensions of the plurality of second boxes closely match the dimensions of the first box both laterally and optionally in height.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the at least two flaps of the outer cover, preferably each of the at least two flaps, extends along more than 90% of the corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel of the outer cover, preferably along substantially all of the corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel of the outer cover.

In this manner, the physical barrier provided by the at least one of the at least two flaps is applied to a large portion of an edge of the top panel of the outer cover, thereby increasing the ability to prevent moisture absorption.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one outer lip extends along more than 80% of the corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge of the first peripheral wall, preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially all of the corresponding unconnected upper circumferential edge.

In this manner, the physical barrier presented by the at least one outer lip is provided on a large portion of the upper edge of the first peripheral wall, thereby increasing the ability to prevent moisture absorption.

It should be noted that at least one of the at least one outer lip may be a locking lip. The locking tab may be configured to pivot outwardly and to engage a locking feature of the outer lid such that, in a closed state of the first carton, the locking tab engaged with the locking feature keeps the outer lid pressed down. In one embodiment, a plurality of outer lips are provided on a corresponding number of disconnected edges, one locking tab of the plurality of outer lips being configured to pivot outward, while the other outer lips are configured to pivot inward. According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one inner lip extends along more than 80% of the corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge of the second peripheral wall, preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially the entire corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge .

In this way, the physical barrier presented by the at least one inner lip is provided to a large portion of the upper edge of the second peripheral wall, thereby increasing the ability to prevent moisture absorption.

In one embodiment, each unconnected peripheral upper edge of the second peripheral wall is provided with a corresponding inner lip which is pivotable inwardly. According to a preferred embodiment, the top panel of the outer cover is pivotally connected to the first circumferential wall, preferably along a first fold line. Depending on the material of the first carton, fold lines can be formed by mechanical pleating, perforating, partial cutting, laser cutting, laser perforating, injection molding, etc. The fold line is typically formed to serve as a spring loaded pivot hinge.

In this way, the outer lid is secured to the rest of the first carton and moisture absorption from the opening of the first carton is prevented across the width of the attached portion of the outer lid. In one embodiment, the top panel of the outer cover and the first circumferential wall are attached with glue. In another embodiment, the top panel of the outer cover and the first peripheral wall are integrally formed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other means may be used to secure a lid to a carton while providing a hinged link.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the top panel of the inner cover is pivotally connected to the second circumferential wall, preferably along a second fold line. Depending on the material of the second box, fold lines can be formed by mechanical pleating, punching, partial cutting, laser cutting, laser perforating, injection molding, etc. The fold line is typically formed to act as a spring loaded pivot hinge. In this way, the inner lid is secured to the rest of the second box and moisture absorption from the opening of the second box is prevented across the width of the attached portion of the inner lid. In one embodiment, the top panel of the inner cover and the second circumferential wall are attached with glue. In another embodiment, the top panel of the inner cover and the second peripheral wall are integrally formed.

In one embodiment, both the first box and the second box have the outer lid and the inner lid, respectively, hingedly connected to the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall, respectively. In arranging the second carton within the first carton, the first fold line and the second fold line may be adjacent or may be located on opposite edges of the first and second circumferential walls.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one flap of the at least two flaps of the outer cover is connected to the top panel of the outer cover by at least one fold line.

In this way, the at least one flap is formed integrally with the rest of the outer cover and molding of the outer cover can be made easier.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one outer lip is connected to the first circumferential wall by means of at least one folding line.

In this way, the at least one outer lip is integrally formed with the rest of the first carton and the molding of the first carton can be made easier.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one outer lip comprises an outer lip which is connected to the first circumferential wall via a fold line opposite the first fold line.

In this way, physical barriers are applied at two opposite locations from the first box, further enhancing protection against moisture absorption. In one embodiment, the outer lip of the at least one outer lip is a locking lip configured to engage a corresponding locking feature of the outer cover. By having the locking tab opposite the first fold line, the closing tightness of the outer cover can be improved. According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one inner lip is connected to the second circumferential wall via at least one folding line. In this way, the at least one inner lip is integrally formed with the rest of the second carton and the molding of the second carton can be made easier.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first box is made from a single first blank and/or the second box is made from a single second blank. In this way, the molding of the second box and/or the first box can be made simpler and with a total quantity material that is smaller than when made with more than one blank. In other words, in the case of the single blank for the first carton, a portion of the blank for the outer lid is joined to another portion to form the first bottom wall and the first peripheral wall. And in the case of the single blank for the second box, a part of the blank for the inner lid is connected to another part to form the second bottom wall and the second peripheral wall.

Also, as commonly known to those skilled in the art, the blank may include additional pre-glued tabs and/or interlocking tabs for securing mated edges of the container together, as well as pre-formed fold lines for folding portions of the container with respect to each other. Additional fold lines can also be formed in providing preformed containers in a substantially planar conditioned form.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first box and the second box are prism-shaped, preferably block-shaped.

In this way, the container can be stored more easily once it has been formed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least two flaps of the outer cover comprise a plurality of interconnected flaps and surround at least a portion of the first peripheral wall in a closed position of the outer cover.

In this way, a more efficient physical barrier against moisture absorption is formed. Depending on the embodiments, the plurality of flaps may be joined together via fold lines, interlocking tabs and/or pre-glued tabs.

Preferably, at least one flap of the at least two flaps of the outer cover extends across the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel of the outer cover. According to an exemplary embodiment, the inner cover comprises at least one inner flap connected to the top panel of the inner cover. The at least one inner flap is configured to be inserted between the first and second circumferential walls in a closed position of the inner cover when the second carton is nested within the first carton.

In this way, the inner lid can be kept closed by friction between the first and second circumferential walls of the first and second cartons, respectively, when the first and second cartons have closely matched lateral dimensions. The at least one inner flap of the inner lid can provide extra protection against moisture absorption. Preferably, the at least one inner flap extends across the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel of the inner cover.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first circumferential wall comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panel. The at least one outer lip includes a first, a second and a third outer lip connected to the first, second and third side panels, respectively. The fourth side panel is connected to the top panel of the outer cover.

In this manner, an at least four-sided first box is integrally formed with a lid and associated lips for limiting ambient moisture absorption.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the top panel of the outer cover is rectangular and the at least two flaps comprise a first, a second and a third flap connected to a first, second and third edge of the top panel of the outer cover. A fourth edge of the top panel of the outer cover is connected to the fourth side panel.

In this way the outer lid can extend in the closed position of the outer lid near the first circumferential wall over the first box. The superposition of the first, second and third flaps cumulate their protection in preventing moisture absorption.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the first, second and third outer lip extends over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of the width of the first, second and third side panels of the first peripheral wall, respectively.

In this manner, the physical barrier presented by the at least one outer lip is provided to a large portion of the top edge of each first side panel of the peripheral wall, thereby increasing its ability to prevent moisture absorption.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second circumferential wall comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panel. The fourth side panel is connected to the top panel of the inner cover. In this way, an at least four-sided second box is integrally formed with a lid to limit the absorption of ambient moisture.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one inner lip comprises a first, a second and a third inner lip connected to the first, second and third side panels, respectively. In this way, a physical barrier against moisture absorption is implemented on each side panel of the second box.

In one embodiment, both the first box and the second box include tabs on each of the disconnected side panels of the first and second circumferential walls, respectively. At least one inner lip is configured to pivot inward. At least one outer lip is configured to pivot out or in over the inner cover or between the inner cover and the at least one inner lip. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first, second and third inner tabs extends over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of the width of the first, second and third side panels of the second peripheral wall, respectively. In this manner, the physical barrier presented by the at least one inner lip is provided to a large portion of the top edge of each second peripheral wall side panel, thereby increasing the ability to prevent moisture absorption.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one inner flap comprises an inner flap connected to the top panel of the inner cover, preferably by means of a fold line, so that it fits between the second side panels of the first and second circumferential walls.

In this way, the inner lid can be kept closed by friction between the first and second circumferential walls of the first and second cartons, respectively, when the first and second cartons have closely matched lateral dimensions. The at least one inner flap can provide extra protection against moisture absorption. Preferably, the at least one inner flap extends across the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel of the inner cover. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first bottom wall comprises a first, second, third and fourth bottom closing valve connected to the first circumferential wall. The first, second, third and fourth bottom closure flaps are configured to form the first bottom wall by overlying and optionally gluing over overlapping portions. In this way, the first bottom wall can comprise double-layered parts that are more resistant to moisture absorption. In one embodiment, the first through fourth bottom closure flaps may include interlocking elements to form the first bottom wall. Additionally or alternatively, the first through fourth bottom closure flaps may be glued together to form the first bottom wall. According to a preferred embodiment, the second box is nested in the first box without glue. In this way, the manufacture of the package is simplified by removing a glue step. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first box and/or the second box is made of a cellulose-based sheet or plate material, such as a cardboard material, e.g. a non-corrugated board.

In this way, the container is made of an easily available material. Depending on the version, cardboard, e.g. a non-corrugated board, can be laminated, coated, varnished or varnished on one side or both sides. Preferably the paperboard, e.g. a non-corrugated board, is laminated on one side or on both sides with a polymeric material such as a polyethylene material or coated with a water-based material. More preferably, the material is a non-corrugated board laminated with a polyethylene material on one or both sides, preferably on both sides. The non-corrugated board may have a grammage between 120 g/m? and 450 g/m2. The thickness of the coating, e.g. a PE coating, can be between 8 and 25 microns.

In alternative embodiments, the first box and/or the second box is made of a plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. In that case, the first and/or second box can be made by injection moulding. When made of a plastic material, the wall thickness of the first box and/or the second box can be between 500 microns and 5000 microns.

According to a preferred embodiment, a moisture-sensitive product is stored in the container. The moisture sensitive product can be supplied without individual packaging and in a compressed form. For example, the product may be related to the food industry, e.g. sugar, yeast, or for the chemical industry, e.g. detergent, or for the medical industry, e.g.

pills. Preferably the product is a food product, more preferably a food product containing enzymes.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of cubic articles are stored in the container within the second box.

Preferably, the first box and the second box are also block-shaped. In one embodiment, the first box and the second box are sized so that the inner dimensions of the second box closely match a preset number of rows, columns and layers of the cubic articles and so that the inner dimensions of the first box closely match the outer dimensions of the second box.

When placed in the second box, an entire layer of the cubic articles can exert an outwardly directed pressure, whereby the inner lid and the outer lid can be better held in the closed position.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described technical considerations and advantages for container embodiments also apply mutatis mutandis to the corresponding first blank and second blank embodiments described below.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a first blank is provided for forming a first carton of the container, preferably a container according to one of the embodiments described above. The first blank consists of: — three or more side panels configured to form a first perimeter wall of the first carton; one or more bottom flaps joined to the corresponding bottom edge(s) of the three or more interconnected side panels and configured to form a first bottom wall of the first carton; — a top panel joined to a top edge of one of the three or more side panels; - at least two flaps connected to at least two unconnected edges of the top panel, the top panel and the at least two flaps being configured to form the outer lid of the first carton; — at least one outer lip hinged to an unconnected top edge of the three or more interconnected side panels, the at least one outer lip configured to be pressed against by the outer cover in the closed position of — the outer cover .

According to a third aspect, there is provided a second blank for forming a second box of the container, preferably a container according to one of the embodiments described above. The second blank consists of: — a bottom panel configured to form the second bottom wall of the second box; - three or more side panels connected to the peripheral edges of the bottom panel and configured to form the second peripheral wall of the second carton; — a top panel connected to one of the three or more side panels and configured to form at least part of an inner cover; - at least one inner lip connected to at least one side panel of the three or more side panels, and configured to be pressed through the inner lid to push the at least one inner lip inwardly into the closed position of the second carton.

The invention also relates to the use of the first blank in a container according to one of the above-described embodiments and to the use of the second blank in a container according to one of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the invention relates to the combination of a first and a second blank as described above and the use thereof. The preferred features described above for the first and second box of the container apply mutatis mutandis to the first and second blanks.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described technical considerations and advantages for the container embodiments, the first blank embodiments, and second blank embodiments also apply mutatis mutandis to the corresponding blank assembly embodiments described below. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a blank assembly for forming the container according to one of the above-described embodiments. The blank assembly includes the first blank and the second blank according to any of the embodiments described above.

Note that the second blank is sized such that, upon closing the first and second cartons, the outer lid presses on the inner lid to press the at least one inner lip inwardly into the closed position of the outer lid. The first blank is sized such that the at least one outer lip hingedly connected to the first circumferential wall is pressed against the outer cover in the closed position of the outer cover. The preferred features described above for the first and second box of the container apply, mutatis mutandis, to the blank assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which show a presently preferred embodiment. Like numbers refer to like features in the drawings.

Figures 1A-1C show respectively a closed container, a semi-open container and a fully open container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a blank for forming a first box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a blank for forming a second box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a blank for forming a first box of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a blank for forming a second box of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a blank for forming a second box of a container according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a preformed and flat packed first box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows a preformed and flat packed second box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Figs. 1A-1C show a closed container, a semi-open container and a fully open container, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

First of all, it is noted that a four-sided container will be described hereinafter for convenience. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the invention are not limited to this particular shape and can be implemented as a cylindrical container, triangular container or other multi-sided container.

The container includes a first box 100 and a second box 200 configured to be nested in the first box 100. By nested it is meant that when arranged in the first box 100, the second box 200 which is in a closed state. can fully fit into the first box 100 when closed. In one embodiment, only a single second box 200 may be nested in the first box 100. In other embodiments, there may be a plurality of second boxes of similar or different size nested in the first box.

The first carton 100 includes a first bottom wall 110, a first peripheral wall 120, and an outer lid 150. The first bottom wall 110 may be formed in a single piece or multiple pieces, in a single piece in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C. More particularly, in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the first bottom wall 110 is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall 120 and connected to the first peripheral wall 120 via one or more fold lines.

Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a blank that can be used to form a first box similar to the first box 100 of Figures 1A-1C. In Figure 2, the same or similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals. Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a blank that can be used to form a second box similar to the second box 200 of Figures 1A-1C. In Figure 3, the same or similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

The first peripheral wall 120 extends upwardly from the first bottom wall 110. The first peripheral wall 120 may comprise a plurality of interconnected panels. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C and Figure 2, the first peripheral wall 120 includes a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panels 121, 122, 123 and 124. One or more of the plurality of side panels 121, 122, 123 and 124 can be formed separately. Preferably, the plurality of side panels 121, 122, 123 and 124 are integrally formed. The plurality of side panels 121, 122, 123 and 124 may be connected via fold lines between each of the panels. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the first side panel 121 is connected to the second side panel via a preglued side tab (not shown) and the four side panels 121, 122, 123 and 124 are integrally formed.

The first carton 100 may include at least one outer lip 131, 132, 133, three outer lips in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C and Figure 2, hingedly connected to the first peripheral wall 120. The at least one outer lip 131, 132 133 may be configured to be pressed against the outer cover 150 in the closed position of the outer cover 150. The at least one outer lip 131, 132, 133 may be configured to pivot in or out. Preferably, one of the at least one outer tab 131, 132, 133 is a locking tab configured to pivot outward. More preferably, an outer lip 132 is a locking lip. In Figures 1A-1C it is shown that the outer lips 131, 133 fold outwards, but the outer lips 131 and 133 can also be folded inwards and the blank of Figure 2 is designed so that the outer lips 131, 133 can be folded in. be folded. In one embodiment, an outer lip 131, 132, 133 is provided on each of the unjoined edges of the first peripheral wall 120. By unjoined edge is meant an edge of a portion of the container that is not bonded to another. part of the container. It should also be understood that a perimeter of a circular perimeter wall is defined by a single edge, while a perimeter of a polygonal perimeter wall is defined by a number of edges corresponding to a number of segments necessary to close the corresponding polygonal shape. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C and Figure 2, the at least one outer lip comprises a first, a second and a third outer lip 131, 132, 133 connected to the first, second and third side panels 121, 122 and 123, respectively.

Each of the first, second and third outer lips 131, 132, 133 may extend over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of the width of the first, second and third side panels 121 , 122 and 123 of the first peripheral wall, respectively. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the opposed first and third outer lips 131, 133 extend across the entire width of the first and third side panels 121, respectively.

At least one of the at least one outer lip selected from 131, 132, 133 may be a locking lip, such as the outer lip 132 in the embodiments of Figs. 1A-1C and Fig.

2. The locking tab 132 may be configured to pivot outwardly and engage a locking feature (not shown) of the outer lid 150 so that, in a closed state of the first carton 100, the locking tab 132 engages the locking feature keeps the outer cover 150 pressed down. In another embodiment, more than one of a plurality of outer tabs are locking tabs.

The outer cover 150 is configured to close off a space defined by the first bottom wall 110 and the first peripheral wall 120. The outer cover 150 includes a top panel 155 and at least two flaps 151, 152, 153. The at least two flaps 151, 152, 153, three flaps in the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C are configured to extend downwardly adjacent the first circumferential wall 120 in the closed position of the first box 100. The outer lid 150 can be engaged or separated from the rest of the first box 100.

In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the top panel 155 of the outer cover is hinged to the first peripheral wall 120, preferably along a first fold line. The top panel 155 of the outer cover may be rectangular and the at least two flaps may include a first, a second and a third flap 151, 152, 153 connected to a first, second and third edge of the top panel 155 of the outer cover . lid. A fourth edge of the top panel 155 of the outer cover may be joined to the fourth side panel of the first peripheral wall 120 via the first fold line. The at least one outer lip 131, 132, 133 may comprise an outer lip, optionally a locking lip 132, connected. with the first circumferential wall 120 via a fold line opposite the first fold line. Having the locking tab opposite the first fold line can improve the closing tightness of the outer cover 150 .

The three flaps 151, 152, 153 of Figures 1A-1C are juxtaposed and connected. In another embodiment, the at least two flaps are not connected to each other. In yet another embodiment, the outer cover 150 includes one flap per unjoined edge of the top panel of the outer cover 150 extending downwardly adjacent the first circumferential wall in the closed position of the first carton. At least one of the three flaps 151, 152, 153, preferably each of the three flaps, may extend along greater than 90% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel 155 of the outer cover, preferably substantially the entirety of the outer lid. corresponding unjoined peripheral edge of the top panel 155 of the outer cover. At least one flap of the three flaps 151, 152, 153 can be joined to the top panel 155 of the outer cover by at least one fold line. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the three flaps 151, 152, 153 comprise a plurality of interconnected flaps surrounding at least a portion of the first peripheral wall 120 in a closed position of the outer cover 150. Each of the three flaps 151, 152 153 may extend across the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel 155 of the outer cover. The second carton 200 includes a second bottom wall (not shown), a second peripheral wall (not shown), and an inner lid 250. More details on how the second bottom wall, the second peripheral wall, and the inner lid 250 may be formed and joined together. can be found in figure 3. The first box 100 can have lateral dimensions that closely match the lateral dimensions of the second box 200. Also, the height of the second box 200 can be closely adapted to the height of the first box 100. the width of the closed container is between 40mm and 1100mm, the length of the closed container is between 40mm and 1100mm and the height of the closed container is between 15 and 1100mm. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to having a single second box nested in the first box and that it is possible to nest multiple second boxes side by side in the first box. In this case, the dimensions of the second boxes may be designed so that, when arranged in the first box, the dimensions of the plurality of second boxes closely match the dimensions of the first box laterally, and optionally in height.

The second peripheral wall extends upwardly from the second bottom wall. The second peripheral wall may have a similar shape to the first peripheral wall 120 and may comprise a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panel. The fourth side panel can be connected to the top panel 255 of the inner cover.

The inner cover 250 is configured to close off a space defined by the second bottom wall and the second peripheral wall. The inner cover 250 includes the top panel

255. The inner lid 250 may be connected to or separate from the rest of the second carton 200. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the top panel 255 of the inner lid is hinged to the second peripheral wall, preferably along a second fold line.

In one embodiment, both the first box 100 and the second box 200 have the outer lid 150 and the inner lid 250, respectively, hingedly connected to the first peripheral wall 120 and the second peripheral wall, respectively. In arranging the second carton 200 within the first carton 100, the first fold line and the second fold line may be adjacent or may be located on opposite edges of the first circumferential wall 120 and the second circumferential wall.

The inner cover 250 may include at least one inner flap 252 connected to the top panel 255 of the inner cover. The at least one inner flap 252 can be configured to be inserted between the first circumferential wall 120 and the second circumferential wall in a closed position of the inner lid 250 when the second box 200 is nested in the first box 100 . Preferably, an inner flap 252 extends the entire width of a corresponding edge of the top panel 255 of the inner cover. The at least one inner flap 252 may be joined to the top panel 255 of the inner cover by a fold line. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the at least one inner flap 252 is configured to fit between the second side panel 122 of the first peripheral wall 120 and the second peripheral wall. In one embodiment, each disconnected edge of the top panel 255 of the inner cover is connected to a corresponding inner flap configured to fit between the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall.

The second carton 200 may include at least one inner tab 231, 232, 233, three inner tabs in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C connected to the second circumferential wall and configured to pivot inwardly such that upon closing the first and boxes 100, 200, the outer cover 150 presses the inner cover 250 down to push the at least one inner lip 231, 232, 233 inwardly into the closed position of the outer cover 150. The at least one inner lip 231, 232, 233 may be connected to the second circumferential wall by means of at least one fold line.

An inner lip may be provided on each of the unjoined edges of the second peripheral wall. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, the at least one inner lip comprises a first, a second and a third inner lip 231, 232, 233 connected to the first, second and third side panels of the second peripheral wall, respectively. Each of the first, second and third inner tabs 231, 232, 233 may extend over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of the width of the first, second and third side panels of the second circumferential wall respectively over the entire width in the embodiments of figures 1A-1C.

Note that, in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, each of the at least one outer lip 131, 132, 133 folds outward while each of the at least one inner lip 231, 232, 233 folds inward. In an alternative embodiment, each of the at least one outer lip 131, 132, 133, except for a locking lip, folds inwardly over the inner lid 250. In another alternative embodiment, each of the at least one outer lip 131, 132, 133, except for a locking tab, folds in between the inner lid 250 and a corresponding inner tab of the at least one inner tab 231, 232, 233.

A moisture sensitive product can be stored in the container. The moisture sensitive product can be found in the form of a number of cubic articles. The first box 100 and the second box 200 may be sized so that the inner dimensions of the second box 200 closely match a preset number of rows, columns and layers of the cubic articles.

As mentioned above, Figure 2 depicts a blank for forming a first carton of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, pre-glued areas are shown with adjacent parallel lines, mountain fold lines are shown in dotted lines, and valley fold lines are shown in dotted lines. Folding lines can be formed by mechanical pleating, perforating, partial cutting, laser cutting, laser perforating, injection molding, etc.

The first bottom wall 110 may include first, second, third and fourth bottom closure flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 connected to the first peripheral wall 120. The first, second, third and fourth bottom closure flaps 111, 112, 113 114 may be configured for forming the first bottom wall 110 by overlying overlapping parts and optionally gluing. In one embodiment, the first through fourth bottom closure flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 may comprise interlocking elements to form the first bottom wall 110. Additionally or alternatively, the first through fourth bottom closure flaps may be 111, 112, 113, 114 glued together to form the first bottom wall 110.

The second and fourth bottom closure flaps 112, 114 may be located opposite each other in the formed first carton 100 and may include a second lower fold portion 112' and a fourth lower fold portion 114', respectively. The second and fourth lower fold portions 112', 114' may be configured to be attached to the first and third bottom closure flaps 111, 113, respectively. The first and third bottom closure flaps 111, 113 may be opposed to each other in the formed first carton 100. Pregluing the first and third bottom closure flaps 111, 113 can be performed on a lower surface of the flaps to match. to an area similar to second and fourth bottom fold portions 112", 114'. When preformed and flat packed, as shown in Figure 7, the first and third bottom closure flaps can be attached to the second and fourth bottom closure flaps 112, 114, respectively, and folded inwardly. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fastening can be done by other means, e.g., staples, interlocking elements, staples without staples, fastening elements.

The second and fourth bottom closure flaps 112, 114 may comprise locking elements 112", 114" respectively. The interlocking elements 112", 114" can be configured to engage in the formed first carton

100. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the interlocking elements 112", 114" are defined by triangular notches located on an unjoined edge of the second and fourth bottom closure flaps 112, 114. The first through fourth bottom closure flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 may be trapezoidal to facilitate the formation of the first bottom wall 110 when starting the flat-packed state of the first box blank 100".

The first peripheral wall 120 may include a first, second, third and fourth side panel 121, 122, 123, 124. The first through fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 may be rectangular shaped and integrally formed.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the first through fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 have the same dimensions. The first side panel 121 may be connected to the fourth side panel 124 via a fold line. The fourth side panel 124 may be connected to the third side panel 123 by a fold line. The third side panel 123 may be connected to the second side panel 122 by a fold line. The second side panel 122 may be attached to the first side panel 121 via an attachment tab 1224. The second attachment tab 122a may be connected to the second side panel 122 via a fold line and formed integrally with the second side panel

122. To secure the attachment tab 1224 to the first side panel 121, glue can be applied to a lower surface of the attachment tab 1224. Alternatively, the first side panel 121 and the second side panel 122 can be secured together using interlocking elements. , such as a lip that mates with a corresponding slot.

The first, second, third and fourth bottom closure flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 may be joined via fold lines to the first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124. The first, second third and fourth bottom closure flaps 111, 112 , 113, 114 may extend across the entire width of the first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124, respectively. Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth bottom closure flaps 111, 112, 113, 114 extend extending substantially across the entire width of the first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124, respectively.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the first and third side panels 121, 123 include a first and third outer tab 131, 133, respectively. The first and third outer tabs 131, 133 are each connected to an edge of the side panel opposite the first and third, respectively. lower closing flaps 111, 113, via a first and third lip fold line 131', 133". The first and third lip fold lines 131', 133" are preferably valley fold lines. In an alternative embodiment, the first and third tab fold lines 131', 133" are mountain fold lines; note that this embodiment corresponds to the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C. The first and third outer tabs 131, 133 may extend over an entire width of the first and third side panels 121, 123, respectively. The first and third outer tabs 131, 133 may be trapezoidal to facilitate closing of the outer cover 150.

The second side panel 122 may include a second outer lip 132. The second outer lip 132 may be a locking lip. The second outer tabs 132 may be joined to an edge of the second side panel 122 opposite the second lower closure flap 112 via a second tab fold line 132'. The second lip fold line 132' may be a mountain fold line. The second outer lip 132 may extend over 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 90% of the width of the second side panel 122. In some embodiments, the second outer lip 132 includes a plurality of spaced locking tabs by a space. In one embodiment, the outer lid is separated from the rest of the first carton. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the outer cover 150 is joined to an edge of the fourth side panel 124 opposite the fourth lower closure flap 114. The outer cover 150 includes a top panel 155 and the fourth side panel 124 is connected to the top panel 155 of the outer cover by a fourth fold line 124'. The top panel 155 of the outer cover may be rectangular in shape, and square in shape in Figure 2 .

The outer cover 150 may include first, second and third flaps 151, 152, 153. Each of the first, second and third flaps 151, 152, 153 may be configured to extend downwardly adjacent the first, second and third side panels 121, 122, 123, respectively, in the closed position of the formed first carton 100 The first and third flaps 151, 153 may be connected to the top panel 155 of the outer cover via a first and third flap fold line 151', 153", respectively. The first and third flaps 151, 153 can each extend a full width of the outer cover top panel 155. The first and third flaps 151, 153 may each include a first and third attachment tab 1514, 153a.The first and third attachment tabs 1514, 1534 may each be joined to an edge of the first and third flaps 151, 153, respectively, opposite the fourth side panel 124 by a fold line.

The first and third attachment tabs 1514, 1534 may be configured to attach the first and third flaps 151, 153 to the second flap 152. The attachment may be implemented by pregluing a bottom surface of the first and third attachment tabs 1514, 1534. . Alternatively, the first flap 151 and the third flap 153 can each be secured to the second flap 152 through the use of interlocking elements, such as a tab that mates with a corresponding slot.

The first and third attachment tabs 1514, 153a may each have a cut-out portion configured to define a locking feature of the outer cover 150 when formed. The second flap 152 may be connected to the top panel 155 of the outer cover via a second flap fold line 152'. The second flap 152 may extend an entire width of the top panel 155 of the outer cover. The second flap 152 may be rectangular in shape. When preformed and flat packed, as shown in Figure 7, the first and third flaps 151, 153 are secured to the second flap 152, and folded along valley fold lines 151", 153". The first and third flaps 151, 153 may have a bevel directed toward the first and third side panels 121, 123, respectively, to facilitate closing of the outer lid 150 of the formed first carton.

As mentioned above, Figure 3 shows a blank for forming a second box of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The second box 200 includes a second bottom wall 210, a second peripheral wall 221, 222, 223, 224 and an inner lid

250. In Figure 3, preglued areas are shown with adjacent parallel lines, mountain fold lines are shown in dotted lines, valley fold lines are shown in dotted lines. Folding lines can be formed by mechanical pleating, perforating, partial cutting, laser cutting, laser perforating, injection molding, etc.

The second bottom wall 210 may be formed by a single bottom panel. In an alternative embodiment, similar to the first bottom wall of the first carton described with respect to Figure 2, the second bottom wall includes a first, second, third and fourth bottom closure valve connected to the second circumferential wall 221, 222, 223, 224. second, third and fourth bottom closure flaps can be configured to form the second bottom wall 210 by overlaying and optionally gluing over overlapping portions.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fixing can be carried out by other means, e.g. staples, interlocking elements, staples without staples, and/or fasteners. The second peripheral wall may include a first, second, third and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224. The first through fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 may be rectangular in shape and formed integrally with the bottom panel 210.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the first through fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 have the same dimensions. The first, second, third and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 may each be joined to a different edge of the bottom panel 210 via a fold line. The fourth side panel 224 may be disconnected from the first and third side panels 221, 223. The third side panel 223 may be connected to the second side panel 222 via an integrally formed third attachment tab 223a. The first side panel 221 can be attached to the second side panel 222 via an integrally formed first attachment tab 221a. The first and third mounting tabs 2214, 223a may be connected to the first and third side panels 221, 223 via a fold line, respectively. To secure the first and third attachment tabs 2214, 2234 to the second side panel 222, glue may be applied to a lower surface of the first and third attachment tabs 2214, 223a, respectively. Alternatively, the first side panel 221 and the third side panel 223 can each be secured to the second side panel 222 through the use of interlocking elements, such as a tab that mates with a corresponding slot. In an alternative embodiment, additional attachment tabs are provided on the first and third side panels 221,223 for attachment to the fourth side panel 224. When preformed and flat packed, as shown in Figure 8, the first and third lower side panels 221, 223 are attached to the second panel 222, and folded along valley fold lines 221', 223".

The first, second, third and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 may extend across the entire width of the corresponding edges of the bottom panel 210. Preferably the first, second, third and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 extend substantially the entire width of the corresponding edges of the bottom panel 210. Each of the first, second, third and fourth side panels 221, 222, 223, 224 of Figure 3 are rectangular in shape and have similar dimensions.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the first, second and third side panels 221, 222, 223 comprise a first, second and third inner lip 231, 232, 233, respectively. The first, second and third inner lip 231, 232, 233 are each connected to a edge of the side panel opposite the bottom panel 210, respectively via a first, second and third lip fold lines 231', 232', 233'. The first, second and third tab fold lines 231', 232", 233' are valley fold lines. The first, second and third inner lips 231, 232, 233 may extend across the entire width of the first, second and third side panels 221, 222, respectively. 223. The first, second and third inner tabs 231, 232, 233 may be rectangular in shape and have rounded corners to facilitate closing of the inner cover 250 .

In one embodiment, the inner lid is separated from the rest of the second carton 200. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the inner lid 250 is joined to an edge of the fourth side panel 224 opposite the bottom panel 210. The inner lid 250 includes a top panel 255 and the fourth side panel 224 can be joined to the top panel 255 of the inner cover via a fourth fold line 224'. The top panel 255 of the inner cover may be rectangular in shape, square in shape in Figure 3.

The inner cover 250 may include an inner flap 252 . The inner flap 252 may be configured to extend downwardly adjacent the second side panel 222 between the first and second cartons 100, 200 in the closed position of the formed first carton 100 and second carton 200. The inner flap 252 may be connected to the top panel 255 of the inner cover via a fold line opposite the fourth side panel 224. The inner flap 252 may extend the entire width of the top panel 255 of the inner cover. The inner flap 252 may be trapezoidal with rounded corners to facilitate insertion between the first and second boxes 100 and 200, respectively.

Figure 4 shows a blank for forming a first box of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 4, pre-glued areas are shown with adjacent parallel lines, mountain fold lines are shown in dotted lines, valley fold lines are shown in dotted lines. Fold lines can be formed by mechanical folding, perforating, partial cutting, laser cutting, laser perforating, injection molding, etc. The outer cover of Figure 4 is similar to the outer cover of Figure 2.

The blank includes first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 intended to form a perimeter wall of the first carton, and a bottom panel 115 intended to form the bottom wall of the first carton. The first through fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 may be integrally formed with the bottom panel 115.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the first through fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 have the same dimensions. The first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 may each be joined via a fold line to a different edge of the bottom panel 115. The first side panel 121 may be attached to the second and fourth side panels 122, 124 via integral formed first attachment tabs 1214, 121b. The third side panel 123 may be connected to the second and fourth side panels 122, 124 via the integrally formed third mounting tabs 1234, 123b, respectively. The first fastening tabs 1214, 121b may be joined by a fold line to opposite edges of the first side panels 121. The third fastening tabs 1234, 123b may be joined via a fold line to opposite edges of the third side panel 123. Around the first fastening tabs 1214, 121b and attaching the third attachment tabs 1234, 123b to the second and fourth side panels 122, 124, glue may be applied to a lower surface of the first attachment tabs 1214, 121b and the third attachment tabs 1234, 123b, respectively. Alternatively, the side panels may be secured together through the use of interlocking elements, such as a lip which interlocks in a corresponding slot.

The first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 may extend across the entire width of the corresponding edges of the bottom panel 115. Any of the first, second, third and fourth side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 of Figure 4 is rectangular in shape and has the same dimensions relative to each other.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the first, second and third side panels 121, 122, 123 comprise a first, second and third outer lip 131, 132, 133, respectively. The first, second and third outer lips 131, 132, 133 are each connected to an edge of the side panel opposite the bottom panel 115 via a first, second and third lip fold line, respectively. The first, second and third lip folds may be mountain or valley folds, all mountain folds in the embodiment of Figure 4. The first, second and third outer lips 131, 132, 133 may extend across the entire width of the first, second and third side panels 121, 122, 123, respectively. The first, second and third outer lips 131, 132, 133 may be trapezoidal to facilitate closing of the outer cover 150 .

Figure 5 shows a blank for forming a second box of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows similar features to Figure 3. In addition to the embodiment of Figure 3, the inner cover 250 includes a first inner flap 251 and a third inner flap 253. Like the second inner flap 252, the first and third inner flaps 251, 253 may be configured to extend downwardly. extend adjacent the first and third side panels 221, 223, respectively, between the first and second cartons 100, 200 in the closed position of the formed first carton 100 and second carton 200. The first and third inner carton flaps 251, 253 may each are joined by a fold line to a different edge of the top panel 255 of the inner cover. The first and third inner flaps 251, 253 may extend an entire width of the top panel 255 of the inner cover. Figure 6 shows a blank for forming a second box of a container according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows similar features to Figure 3. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the inner cover 250 is defined by a first and a second cover portion 2554, 255b. The first cover portion 2554 can be joined to the second side panel 222 to replace the second inner lip of Figure 3. The second cover portion 255b can be connected to the fourth side panel 224 to replace the top panel of the inner cover of Figure 3. When closed, the first and second cover portions 2554, 255b overlap or not. A footprint of the first and second cover portions 2554, 255b when closed may correspond to a footprint of the bottom panel 210. The first and second cover portions 2554, 255b may have similar or different dimensions, similar to the embodiment of Figure 6.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the blank depicted in Figure 2 or 4 and the blank depicted in Figures 3, 5 or 6 can be incorporated into a blank assembly to form a container according to an embodiment of the subject invention.

Note that the second lid 200' is preferably sized such that, upon closing the first and second cartons 100, 200, the outer lid 150 presses the inner lid 250 down to inwardly engage the at least one inner lip 231, 232, 233. in the closed position of the outer cover 150. The first blank 100' is preferably dimensioned such that the at least one outer lip 131, 132, 133 hingedly connected to the first circumferential wall 121, 122, 123 is pressed against the outer cover 150 in the closed position of the outer lid 150. In the embodiments described above, the first box and the second box may be made of wood fiber based material, preferably non-corrugated board. The non-corrugated board can have grammage between 120g/m? and 450g/m2. In one embodiment, the non-corrugated board is coated on one side or laminated on one side, or coated on both sides or laminated on both sides. The coating and/or lamination may be performed by a lacquer, preferably water-based, and/or lamination by a polymeric material, preferably polyethylene (PE lamination). More preferably, a thickness of a PE top layer is between 5 and 40 microns, preferably around 12 microns. A thickness of a backing PE coating can be between 5 and 40 microns, preferably around 18 microns.

To test the moisture-protection ability of a container according to the present invention, a number of cubic articles are stored in different containers at the same time and under the same temperature and humidity conditions. The cubic articles comprise: about 40% light brown sugar, about 40% ascorbic acid and about 20% of an enzyme mixture. A more detailed description of the article composition can be found in patent application WO2019/234042. Storage during the experiments lasted two weeks and was performed at 40°C at 60% relative humidity. As a reference and positive control, fifty cubic articles were placed in a hermetically sealed polyethylene bag with a material thickness of 12 microns and stored under the same temperature and humidity conditions as mentioned above. As a negative control, seven cubic articles were stored under the same temperature and humidity conditions as stated above without using a container (or other type of packaging). As such, the cubic articles were directly exposed to the temperature and humidity conditions mentioned above. The water absorption of the cubic articles was measured on a weight basis by randomly selecting five cubes per storage method (see below) and weighing them on a scale before and after storage under temperature and humidity conditions as described above. Weight gain (%) can only be caused by water intake (%).

The moisture protection capability of a container for the cubic articles, with defined formulation (described above) and under defined storage conditions (described above), was considered to be an acceptable level if the water absorption does not exceed 1.5% in the rectangular articles. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this particular level is to be understood as an acceptable level limited for this particular combination of container and block articles. Other types of articles combined with a container according to embodiments of the present invention may be subject to different levels of acceptance.

In a first round of experiments, five different storage methods were used for comparison. The first storage container of the first storage method corresponds to a standard sugar cube box, consisting of a non-corrugated cardboard of 260 g/m? with a water-based coating with a grammage of about 8 g/m? (+/- 4 g/m?), and overall dimensions of approximately 164 mm wide, 164 mm long and 96 mm high. The standard sugar cube box consists of a single box with a bottom panel, a four-sided circumferential wall extending upwards from the bottom panel, a lid with a front flap connected to one edge of the circumferential wall and two inward folding flaps downwards when the lid is closed. In the first storage method, 61 cube-shaped items are stored in the standard sugar cube box and divided into two layers, a complete layer (6x6 cube-shaped items) organized in rows and columns, and an incomplete layer (5x5 rectangular items) organized in rows and columns. In the second storage method, the first storage method is reproduced, but a weight (1.5 kg) is placed on top of the closed lid to improve the tightness of the lid. In the third storage method, 61 cubic items are stored in the standard sugar cube box in the same way as storage method one and two, and the box is wrapped in a single layer of polyethylene film (12 microns). The fourth storage method is the positive control (described above), while the fifth storage method is the negative control (described above). The results with regard to water absorption are shown in the table below.

ee EE Water absorption | 5.4 4.5 3.6 12.0 on JJ PP In a second round of experiments, four different storage methods were used for comparison. The first and second storage methods used containers corresponding to the container shown in Figures 1A-1C. The containers used for the first and second storage methods have overall dimensions of approximately 164 mm wide, 164 mm long and 96 mm high. The first container (for the first storage method) is made of 260 g/m² non-corrugated board. with a top layer of polyethylene (PE). The second container (for the second storage method) is made of 260 g/m² non-corrugated cardboard. with a top layer of polyethylene (PE) and a lamination of polyethylene (PE) on the back. The thickness of the PE lamination on the top is about 12 microns and the thickness of the PE lamination on the back is about 18 microns. In the first and second storage method, 61 cubic items are stored in the containers, divided into two layers, a complete layer (6x6 cubic articles) organized in rows and columns and an incomplete layer (5x5 rectangular articles). The third storage method is the positive control (described above), while the fourth storage method is the negative control (described above). The results with regard to water absorption are shown in the table below.

ee EE Water uptake 1,2 12.7 and OP In a third round of experiments, three different storage methods were used for comparison. In the first storage method, a container according to the present invention is used. The container (for the first storage method) is made of 260 g/m² non-corrugated cardboard. with a top layer of polyethylene (PE) and a back of polyethylene (PE) lamination. The thickness of the PE lamination on the top is about 12um, and the thickness of the PE lamination on the back is about 18 microns. The container used for the first storage method has dimensions of approximately 138 mm wide, 86 mm long and 86 mm high. In the first storage method, thirty cubic items are stored in this container, arranged over two full layers of 3x5 cubic items, organized in rows and columns. The second storage method involves the positive control (described above), while the third storage method involves the negative control (described above). The results with regard to water absorption are shown in the table below. These results demonstrate that the container of the present invention exhibits similar moisture barrier properties when constructed in different sizes to accommodate different amounts of cubic articles.

While the principles of the invention have been set forth above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is given by way of example only and not as a limitation on the scope as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (1)

CONCLUSIONS A container comprising a first box (100) and a second box (200) configured to be nested in the first box; wherein the first box (100) comprises: - a first bottom wall (110); - a first peripheral wall (120) extending upwardly from the first bottom wall (110); 10. - an outer cover (150) configured to close a space defined by the first bottom wall (110) and the first peripheral wall (120), the outer cover comprising a top panel (155) and at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) configured to extend downwardly adjacent the first circumferential wall (120) in the closed position of the first carton (100); wherein the second box (200) comprises: - a second bottom wall (210); - a second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) extending upwardly from the second bottom wall (210); - an inner cover (250) configured to close a space defined by the second bottom wall (210) and the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224), the inner cover (250) comprising a top panel (255); wherein the second box (200) includes at least one inner lip (231, 232, 233) connected to the second circumferential wall (221, 222, 223, 224) and configured to pivot inwardly such that when the first and second boxes (100, 200) are closed, the outer lid (150) presses the inner lid down (250) to press the at least one inner lip (231, 232, 233) inwardly into the closed position of the outer lid (150); and/or wherein the first carton comprises at least one outer lip (131, 132, 133) pivotally connected to the first peripheral wall (120) and configured to be pressed by the outer lid (150) in the closed position of the outer lid (150). The container of claim 1, wherein the first box (100) has lateral dimensions that closely match the dimensions of the second box (200), and, optionally, wherein the height of the second box (200) closely matches the height of the first box (100). The container of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the at least two flaps (151, 152, 153), preferably each of the at least two flaps, extends along more than 90% of a corresponding non - bonded peripheral edge of the top panel (155) of the outer cover (150), preferably over substantially the entire corresponding unjointed peripheral edge of the top panel (155) of the outer cover (150). The container of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one outer lip (131, 132, 133) extends along more than 80% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral upper edge of the first peripheral wall (120), preferably along greater than 90%, even more preferably along substantially the entire corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one inner lip (231, 232, 233) extends along more than 80% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral upper edge of the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224 ), preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially all of the corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150) is pivotally connected to the first peripheral wall (120), preferably along a first fold line (124"). The container of any preceding claim, wherein the top panel (255) of the inner lid (250) is pivotally connected to the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224), preferably along a second fold line (224"). . The container of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one flap (151, 152, 153) of the at least two flaps is connected to the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150) by means of at least one fold line. (151', 152", 1537). The container of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one outer lip (131, 132, 133) is connected to the first peripheral wall (120) by at least one fold line (131', 132, 133"). . The container of claims 6 and 9, wherein the at least one outer lip (131, 132, 133) comprises an outer lip (132) connected to the first peripheral wall (120) via a fold line (132") opposite the first fold line (124"). The container of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one inner lip (231, 232, 233) is connected to the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) by at least one fold line (231', 232", 233"). The container of any preceding claim, wherein the first carton (100) is made from a single first blank (100") and/or wherein the second carton (200) is made from a single second blank (2007). The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first box (100) and the second box (200) are prism-shaped, preferably cubic. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) comprise a plurality of interconnected flaps and surround at least a portion of the first peripheral wall (120) in a closed position of the outer lid ( 150). The container of any preceding claim, wherein the inner lid (250) comprises at least one inner flap (251, 252, 253) connected to the top panel (255) of the inner lid (250); wherein the at least one inner flap (251, 252, 253) is configured to be positioned between the first and second circumferential walls (120; 221, 222, 223, 224) in a closed position of the inner cover (250) when the second carton (200) in the first box (100) is nested. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the first peripheral wall (120) comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panels (121, 122, 123, 124), the at least one outer lip having a first , second and third outer tabs (131, 132, 133) connected to the first, second and third side panels (121, 122, 123), respectively, and wherein the fourth side panel (124) is connected to the top panel (155) of the outer cover (150). The container of the preceding claim, wherein the top panel (155) of the outer lid (150) is rectangular and wherein the at least two flaps comprise a first, a second and a third flap (151, 152, 153) that are connected having a first, second and third edge (151°, 152', 153") of the top panel (155) of the outer cover (150) wherein a fourth edge (124") of the top panel (155) of the outer cover (150 ) is connected to the fourth side panel (124). The container of claim 16 or 17, wherein each of the first, second and third outer lip (131, 132, 133) extends over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of a width of the first, second and third side panels (121, 122, 123) of the first peripheral wall (120), respectively. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side panels (221, 222, 223, 224), the fourth side panel (224) is connected to the top panel (255) of the inner cover (250). The container of the preceding claim, wherein the at least one inner lip comprises a first, a second and a third inner lip (231, 232, 233) connected to the first, second and third side panels, respectively. The container of the preceding claim, wherein each of the first, second and third inner lips (231, 232, 233) extends over 50%, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 90% of a width of the first, second and third side panels (221, 222, 223) of the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223), respectively. The container of claim 15 and any one of claims 19-21, wherein the at least one inner flap (251, 252, 253) comprises an inner flap (252) connected to the top panel (255) of the inner lid (250). preferably by means of a fold line such that it fits between the second side panels (122, 222) of the first and second circumferential walls (120; 221, 222, 223, 224). The container of any preceding claim, wherein the first bottom wall (110) comprises a first, second, third and fourth bottom closure valve (111, 112, 113, 114) connected to the first circumferential wall (120), the first, second, third and fourth bottom closure valves (111, 112, 113, 114) are configured to form the first bottom wall (110) by overlaying and optionally gluing. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the second carton (200) is nested in the first carton (100) without glue. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the first carton (100) and/or the second carton (200) is made of non-corrugated board. The container of any preceding claim, wherein a moisture sensitive product is stored in the container. The container of any one of claims 16-26, wherein a plurality of cubic articles are stored in the container within the second carton (200). A blank assembly for forming the container according to any preceding claim, wherein the first blank assembly comprises: - a first blank (100) for forming the first box (100) of the container, the first blank (100 ) comprises: - three or more side panels (121, 122, 123, 124) configured to form a first peripheral wall (120) of the first carton (100); - one or more bottom flaps (111, 112, 113, 114) connected to a lower edge of the three or more interconnected side panels (121, 122, 123, 124) and configured about a first bottom wall (110) of the first carton (100 ) to shape; - a top panel (155) connected to a top edge (124') of one (124) of the three or more side panels; - at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) connecting at least two free edges (151°, 152', 153') of the top panel (155), the top panel (155) and the at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) are configured to form an outer lid (150) of the first carton (100); - at least one outer lip (131, 132, 133) pivotally connected to a top edge (131°, 132', 133”) of the three or more interconnected side panels (121, 122, 123), the at least one outer lip (131, 132, 133) is configured to be pressed against by the outer cover (150) in the closed position of the outer cover (150); - a second blank (200”) for forming the second box (200) of the container, the second blank (200°) comprising: - a bottom panel (210) configured about the second bottom wall (210) of the second box to shape; - three or more side panels (221, 222, 223, 224) connected to a peripheral edge of the bottom panel (210) and configured to form the second peripheral wall of the second carton (200); - a top panel (255) connected to one (224) of the three or more side panels and configured to form at least a portion of an inner cover (250); - at least one inner lip (231, 232, 233) connected to at least one side panel (221, 222, 223) of the three or more side panels, and configured to be depressed by the inner cover (250) about the at least one inner lip (231, 232, 233) inwardly into the closed position of the second carton (200). The blank assembly of the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the at least two flaps (151, 152, 153) of the first blank (100°), preferably each of the at least two flaps, extends along more than 90% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral edge (151°, 152', 153") of the top panel (155) of the outer cover (150) preferably over substantially the entire corresponding unconnected peripheral edge of the top panel (155) of the outer cover (150). The blank assembly of claim 28 or 29, wherein the at least one outer lip (131, 132, 133) of the first blank (1007) extends along greater than 80% of a corresponding unconnected peripheral top edge of the first peripheral wall ( 120), preferably along more than 90%, even more preferably along substantially all of the corresponding unconnected upper peripheral edge. The blank assembly of any one of claims 28-30, wherein the top panel (155) of the outer cover (150) of the first blank (1007) is pivotally connected to the first peripheral wall (120), preferably along a first fold line ( 124). The blank assembly of any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the at least one flap (151, 152, 153) of the at least two flaps of the first blank (1007) is connected to the top panel (155) of the outer cover (150). ) through at least one fold line (151, 152", 153"). The blank assembly of any one of claims 28-32, wherein the at least one outer lip (131, 132, 133) of the first blank (100") is connected to the first peripheral wall (120) via at least one fold line ( 131, 132', 133"). The blank assembly of claims 31 and 33, wherein the at least one outer lip (131, 132, 133) of the first blank (1007) includes an outer lip (132) connected to the first peripheral wall (120) via a fold line (132') opposite the first fold line (124). The blank assembly of any one of claims 28-34, wherein the at least one inner lip (231, 232, 233) of the second blank (200?) extends along more than 80% of a corresponding unconnected top peripheral edge of the second circumferential wall (221, 222, 223, 224), preferably along greater than 90%, even more preferably along substantially all of the corresponding unconnected upper circumferential edge. The blank assembly of any one of claims 28-34, wherein the top panel (255) of the inner cover (250) is pivotally connected to the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224), preferably along a second fold line (224' ). The blank assembly of any one of claims 28-36, wherein the at least one inner lip (231, 232, 233) of the second blank is connected to the second peripheral wall (221, 222, 223, 224) via at least one fold line ( 231', 232", 233").